brass neck
Gall, shamelessness, cheek.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He has the brass neck to ask for a raise after missing work.”
“You have a brass neck to take credit for my hard work.”
“He has a brass neck to borrow money when he still owes me fifty dollars.”
“She had the brass neck to show up at the party uninvited after their argument.”
“The politician had the brass neck to lecture the public about saving money while spending thousands on his own luxury travel.”
“After complaining about the loud music all night, the neighbor had the brass neck to host his own noisy party the next morning.”
“The salesman had the brass neck to try and sell me a new car right after mine broke down because of his bad repairs.”
“Despite his obvious failure to complete the project, he had the brass neck to demand full payment for his services.”
Derived from the earlier idiom to stick one’s neck out, the term identifies the anatomical vulnerability of the throat with a lack of social caution. The addition of the metal signifies a hardening of this vulnerability, suggesting a temperament that is impervious to shame or the possibility of metaphorical decapitation.
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albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
- 02
albatross round one's neck
Alternative form of albatross around one's neck.
- 03
bow-legged wi' brass
Wealthy; having lots of money.
- 04
brass ceiling
An unwritten, uncodified barrier to promotion or progression for women in law enforcement or the military.
- 05
brass farthing
Something worthless or of small value.
- 06
brass monkey
Very cold.
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brass monkeys
Very cold.
- 08
break one's neck
To make extraordinary efforts to achieve an end; to exert oneself in pursuit of a goal.
Last updated August 10, 2026